99. Must-Have Gear for Stress-Free Travel with Kids: Hotel & Airbnb Tips to Save Your Sanity
- Brittany Miller
- Jun 10
- 13 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Traveling with kids is an adventure that often looks a lot less glamorous than the Instagram posts would have you believe. As a mom of four little ones—ranging from almost six years old to just under one year—I’ve recently navigated the rollercoaster of traveling, motel living, and Airbnb stays with my entire crew in tow. Whether it’s a short getaway or an unexpected stretch of temporary living, I’ve learned a ton about what works, what doesn’t, and the gear that can genuinely save your sanity.
This blog is fir parents planning to travel with kids, or just curious about how to make those hotel or Airbnb stays a little less chaotic, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing my real-life experiences, practical tips, and some mom hacks I wish I’d known before packing all those bags.
If we haven't met yet, hi, I'm Brittany, a mom, mystery buff, bookworm, and DIY home decor enthusiast. I help business owners get seen, loved and paid. If you're looking for support with your social media, email marketing to podcast, click here to learn how I can help.
Table of Contents
Meet the Miller Family
First, a little about us so you get the context. We’re a family of six: two adults and four children (update: Orion, our fitfth baby arrived in September 2025!) . Our kids are Thalia, almost six; Raiyah, four and a half; Rhett, two and a half; and Luca, just shy of one year old. Traveling with four young children is no small feat, especially when you add in the logistics of where to stay and how to keep them happy, entertained, fed, and well-rested.
Before this recent experience, we hadn’t done much traveling as a family, most just day trips with the kids. We’d done the occasional camping trip with my parents (staying in their trailer), and a few cottage visits, but never anything that involved motels or Airbnbs not specifically designed for kids. So this was a whole new ballgame for us.
Travel with Kids: The Challenges of Motel and Hotel Stays
One of the first major hurdles we encountered was finding a motel or hotel room that could legally and comfortably fit all six of us. Fire codes typically limit motel rooms to four occupants—usually two adults and two children. This meant that booking a standard room for our family was almost impossible without breaking those rules.
We had to explain our situation to motel staff, and thankfully, Comfort Inn in St. Thomas made an exception and added a special note to our reservation to accommodate all six of us. This meant they were aware of the extra people in case of emergency, which was reassuring. But it was a definite learning curve and something I hadn’t anticipated before trying to book.
Here are some of the key takeaways from our motel experience:
Room size and fire code restrictions: Most motels only allow four people per room. Suites with common areas can sometimes accommodate more, but they’re usually more expensive and not always available at motels or smaller hotels.
Breakfast is a lifesaver: Many motels offer free breakfast, which is a huge help when you have multiple hungry kids and limited cooking facilities.
Limited kitchen access: Motels rarely have kitchens or even microwaves, so meals mostly involve takeout or eating out. Thankfully, most do have mini-fridge sin the room which make bottle feeding easier and allows you to store some small snacks to curb hunger in between meals.
Space constraints: Between luggage, playpens, high chairs, and kids, motel rooms can feel cramped quickly. I constantly felt like I was tripping over things walking around the room and there was 0 space for the kids to play unless you're a fan of endless jumping on the bed,
Laundromat logistics: Motels don’t usually have laundry facilities, so you’ll likely be spending extra time and money at the laundromat which is a huge headache with little kids.
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Pros of Motel Living
Despite the challenges, there were some definite upsides to motel living:
Breakfast included: Having breakfast covered means one less meal to plan and prepare, which is a godsend when you’re juggling little ones.
Playpens provided: Some motels will provide playpens, which saved me from lugging ours around all the time and helped us make the most of the limited space in your SUV.
Occasional discounts: If you’re staying for an extended period, ask about weekly rates. We got a discount for staying a full week, which helped with the budget. Often hotels and motels aren't as busy during the week, with most people at work so they offer discounts to fill there rooms. This is a travel hack my parents discovered when my Dad traveled for work a lot.
Local food exploration: We tried some great local mom-and-pop restaurants, which made dinner time fun and gave us a taste of the community.
St. Thomas Ontario Restaurant Recommendations
If you're visiting St. Thomas or just want to try something new, some of our favourite places to eat are:
The Hungry Twist - 10/10 it's one of my favourites, great flavours and lots of veggies! Check out my Hungry Twist order (photo on the left), their dessert options are just as good!
Buzz Bites - 10/10 for this one too, Grayson has never raved about food so much. Plus the owner is wonderful. She even has a ramp for strollers, just ask and she's happy to put it out to make accessing the restaurant easier.
Taco House - this was a 7/10 for me. It would be an occasional visit, better for a date night as it feels a little pricer for the food sizes
The Clay Oven - 8/10, the food was great! We went for a date night, I'm not sure my kids would love the food much though (too much flavour for them) hence the lower rating but definitely a great option if you don't have kids or for a post bedtime snack.
Kate's Cafe - 10/10 our go-to spot when we want a sweet treat. She does have some food options as well but we go mostly for the desserts.
Jan Cat - the cutest little cafe, the cutest little place with great food. It was my first time having bubble tea so it was a fun experience. The owner is the sweetest too, it's definitely somewhere to add to your lunch list.
Streamliners - 8/10, I don't drink coffee but I like an occassional trip to Streamliners to grab a pastry or fancy drink. It's also my favourite place to go if I need to kill some time between meetings or picking people up, the atmosphere is great and I enjoy being there.
Greek & Go - I think this is technically a chain restaurant, so 6/10 because it's also kinda hard to find if you've never been before. It's in the convenience store gas station but the food was yummy and it had good portion sizes, a little too much sauce for me but I would just ask for less sauce next time. It's a good option if you're in a hurry and need to get gas anyway.
Cons of Motel Living
Space limitations: Rooms are small and can feel like a closet with six people plus luggage.
No kitchen facilities: Without a kitchen, you’re stuck with takeout or whatever the motel offers which adds up fast and makes life difficult when you have picky eats and dietary restrictions to consider.
Shared bathrooms and lighting issues: Some motels have awkward bathroom setups, like sinks outside the bathroom or noisy fans that turn on with lights which wakes sleeping kids. Always try to turn the room before booking so you can see if the layout works for your family.
Laundry expenses: Laundromats can be expensive and time-consuming, especially when you have a week’s worth of clothes for six people.
Limited availability of baby gear: Sometimes the high chairs or playpens are in use by other guests, so bringing your own is a smart move but often challenging with limited space avialable in most vehicles once you fit in 6 people and a stroller. I highly recommend investing in a roof rack or storage system of some sort for your luggage.
Must-Have Motel Travel Gear for Families with Kids
From my motel experience, here are the essentials I recommend packing to make your stay easier:
Foldable high chair: Motel high chairs aren’t always available, and bulky ones don’t travel well. I want to get one of those small foldable high chairs that attach to tables—they’re brilliant for travel.
Silicone bibs: These catch the mess and are much easier to clean than cloth bibs. Trust me, with baby-led weaning, the mess can be epic and cleaning supplies are often not available in shared motel areas like their contential breakfast. I feel so guilty leaving a huge mess for the staff.
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks: Kids get hungry fast, even after a big breakfast. Having plenty of healthy snacks on hand is a lifesaver. Think small items that can fit in a mini fridge, we like cheese strings and sometimes yogurt cups. I also stock up on Goldfish crackers, granola bars and other pantry items I can toss on the counter. Snack cups are also a great way to contian messes in your room.
Minimal clothing: Don’t overpack. Clothes take up space and get dirty quickly, but motels don’t usually have laundry facilities, so bring what you need and plan to do laundry often, and off-site.
Playpens: If you can, bring your own playpen. Some motels provide them, but it’s not guaranteed.
Airbnb Stays with Kids: A Different Experience
After spending some time in motels, we moved to an Airbnb for a week and a half, and it was a game-changer in many ways. Staying in a house with a kitchen, laundry, and more space to spread out felt much more like home, even if it was temporary.
That said, Airbnb living comes with its own set of unique challenges and considerations, especially when traveling with young children.
Finding Family-Friendly Airbnbs
One of the biggest hurdles was finding an Airbnb that could accommodate all six of us. Most listings are designed for four people max, so I had to get creative with how I described our group, sometimes bending the truth slightly by categorizing some toddlers as infants to get the search results to show additional listings.
Once we found a place, the host asked for the names and ages of everyone for insurance purposes, so they knew the actual makeup of our group before arrival.
Pet Policies and Extra Fees
We also brought our dog, Aurora, with us, assuming the Airbnb was pet-friendly (because it was mentioned in the listing). Later, the host informed me there was a $120 flat pet fee that wasn’t clearly disclosed in the listing. This was frustrating because it felt like a hidden charge, and I hadn’t planned for it. I would have left Aurora at my parent's to save money if I had known.
This experience taught me to always clarify pet policies and fees upfront when booking an Airbnb. If you’re traveling with pets, don’t assume pet-friendly means no extra fees.
Essential Airbnb Gear for Traveling with Kids
Here’s what I found helpful to bring or arrange for when staying in an Airbnb:
Baby gates: Many Airbnbs aren’t childproofed, so bringing baby gates for stairs or decks is crucial if you have toddlers who like to explore. Make sure the host is aware you're doing this an inform them paint scratches etc. may occur from the gates. We were charged extra for paint touch ups even though the host required us to bring gates.
High chair: Most Airbnbs don’t have high chairs, so bring your own foldable or travel-friendly option.
Kid-friendly dishes and utensils: Our host was kind enough to provide some toddler plates and cups, but not all will, so pack your own or ask in advance if they will be available.
Food storage containers: Not all Airbnbs have plenty of containers for leftovers, so bringing some bags or containers can be really helpful.
Blackout curtains: Airbnbs often lack blackout curtains, which are essential for helping kids sleep well, especially during nap times or early mornings.
Sound machine: A portable sound machine can help drown out unfamiliar noises and create a soothing sleep environment and with an Airbnb you don't have to worry about waking the guests in the next room with the sound.
Benefits of Airbnb Living
Kitchen access: Being able to cook meals saves money and gives you control over what your kids eat.
Laundry in-house: Having laundry facilities on-site is a huge convenience and cost saver.
More space: Airbnbs typically offer more room to spread out, which helps everyone’s sanity (especially at bedtime).
Child safety: With baby gates and other gear, you can make the space safer for your kids while still giving them a place to play.
Sleep: The Ultimate Priority When Traveling with Kids
Nothing impacts a trip more than how well the kids sleep. From our experience, maintaining sleep routines and environments as close to home as possible is vital.
Here’s what helped us:
Blackout curtains: These made a huge difference in nap times and bedtime by blocking out sunlight that made the kids resist sleep or wake early.
Pack and play or foldable playpen: Having a familiar sleeping space helps kids feel secure and makes bedtime smoother.
Sound machine: This little device helped mask unfamiliar noises and created a calming bedtime atmosphere.
Stuffed animals or blankets: Our kids don't have designated sleep toys but I made sure to pack a stuffy for each of them along with a few books we can read to maintain our bedtime routine.
Food and Snacks: The Secret Weapons
When traveling with kids, hangry little ones are a recipe for meltdown city. One of my biggest takeaways is to always bring plenty of snacks. Even after a big breakfast, my kids were hungry again within an hour.
Stock up on a variety of snacks that are easy to pack, don’t spoil easily, and are kid-approved. This will save you from constant snack runs and keep everyone happier on the go.
As someone who makes a lot of our snacks at home (since I can't eat lactose), I struggled to stay nourished throughout the day and often ended up eating more carbs which made me feel tired and sluggish. Being at the Airbnb was a huge help so I could store more food options I could enjoy throughout the day.
Additional Tips and Hacks for Stress-Free Travel with Kids
Minimal packing: Resist the urge to overpack clothes and gear. Motels don’t have laundry, and laundromats can be pricey and time-consuming, so plan accordingly.
Tour your motel or Airbnb room beforehand: If possible, check the layout and lighting. Some motels have awkward bathroom setups or noisy fans that can disrupt sleep.
Ask about extended stay discounts: Many motels offer weekly rates that can save you money if you’re staying for several days.
Bring your own cleaning supplies: Especially in Airbnbs, having your own hand soap, laundry detergent, and cleaning products can make life easier.
Prepare for emergencies: Know the fire code restrictions and make sure your family is accounted for in case of an emergency, especially in motel stays. We went over fire safety rules with the kids so they would know what to do and where to go in case of emergencies.
Final Thoughts: Travel with Kids Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Traveling with kids, especially a big crew like mine, is no small feat and definitely comes with its fair share of stress and surprises. But with the right gear, a flexible mindset, and some practical hacks, it can also be a fun, memorable experience.
Whether you’re navigating motel stays with limited amenities or settling into an Airbnb that feels more like home, these tips can help you keep routines consistent, reduce stress, and enjoy the journey a little more.
If you’re planning a trip with little ones soon, I hope my experiences and recommendations give you a head start on making it smoother for your family.
While this recent travel experience was mostly out of necessity due to selling our house, I’m already thinking about future trips where we can be intentional and prepared. I follow travel influencers who share amazing tips about flying with kids, booster seat requirements, and packing hacks that I can’t wait to try.
One day, flying with my four kids won’t feel like a daunting challenge but an exciting adventure. Until then, I’m building my checklist and learning from every trip. Have additional questions about traveling with kids? Check out the FAQs below or send me a DM on Insta to chat!
FAQ: Traveling with Kids Made Easier
Q: How many people can typically stay in a motel room?
A: Most motels and hotels have fire code restrictions limiting occupancy to four people per room (usually two adults and two children). Families larger than that may need to book suites or ask for special accommodations.
Q: What are the best accommodations for families with multiple young children?
A: Airbnbs tend to be more family-friendly because they offer kitchens, laundry, and more space. Motels can work for short stays but are often cramped and less convenient for longer visits.
Q: What essential gear should I bring when traveling with kids?
A: Some must-haves include a foldable high chair, silicone bibs, plenty of snacks, baby gates (for Airbnbs), blackout curtains, a pack and play or foldable playpen, and bedtime routine essentials.
Q: How can I maintain my kids’ sleep schedule while traveling?
A: Blackout curtains and a familiar sleeping space like a pack and play help. Using a sound machine can also create a soothing environment that mimics home. I bring stufffies and books to keep our routine as similar as possible. That also means following our traditional sleep and wake times as much as possible.
Q: How do I handle meals when staying in a motel?
A: Motels usually don’t have kitchens, so breakfast is often the only meal provided. Plan for takeout, quick meals, or rely on local restaurants. If possible, ask for an Airbnb with kitchen access for more flexibility.
Q: Are there any hidden fees I should watch for when booking Airbnbs?
A: Yes. Some hosts charge pet fees or extra guest fees that may not be clearly listed upfront. Always ask about additional costs before booking, especially if traveling with pets or a larger group.
Q: How can I save money on extended hotel or motel stays?
A: Many motels offer discounted weekly rates. Be sure to ask when booking, especially if your stay is longer than a few days.
Q: What are some tips for packing light when traveling with kids?
A: Pack only what you need, plan for laundry off-site if there are no facilities, bring versatile clothing, and avoid excess toys or gear. Prioritize multi-use items and essentials.
Connect with Me
If you’ve got questions or want to share your own travel tips for families, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out on Instagram at @brittanymillersocials or @brittanynmiller_ (my personal account) or leave a comment on my podcast or blog. Traveling with kids is a journey we’re all navigating, and sharing our experiences makes it easier for everyone.
Until next time, keep striving for greatness in life, business, and family adventures. Go get great!
Check out these episodes of the Go Get Great podcast for other parenting tools & hacks to make life easier:
Potty Training Boys: How to Start, Stick With It & Succeed in 3 Days https://www.brittanymillersocials.ca/post/potty-training-boys-how-to-succeed-in-3-days
Scheduling Hacks: How to Juggle Work, Life and Pancakes in Pajamas! https://www.brittanymillersocials.ca/post/ggg48
Affording A Family of 5: Life Updates and Money-Strateching Strategies https://www.brittanymillersocials.ca/post/ggg36
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0:00 Intro
1:10 Meet the Miller family
3:00 Things I've learned about hotel and Airbnb travel with kids
4:50 Good things about motel living
9:00 Motel tips for families with small kids
15:00 Tips for Airbnb stays with little ones
27:00 Wrap up
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